The county of Dorset lies along the South West Coast of England and forms part of the ancient kingdom of Wessex. Often called Thomas Hardy''s Wessex, Dorset is noted for its beauty, and even more so for its variety, almost every kind of coastal scenery that England possesses can be found some where within its compass, while inland the variety is maintained with rich pastures, undulating downs, picture postcard villages, barren heaths and ancient monuments. Dorset is steeped in history, folklore and legend, much of which is mysterious and dark. This extensively illustrated compendium has over 400 tales and references making this book by far one of the best in its field. Dark Dorset Tales of Mystery, Wonder and Terror has been thoroughly researched, and includes many new entries and up to date information never before published. The title of the book speaks for its self, and is indeed not for the faint hearted or those easily shocked. Any readers brave enough will find themselves touring a county full of sinister hauntings, decaying body parts, spellbinding witchcraft, malevolent fairies, gruesome murders, spectral black dogs, phantom armies, headless ghosts, flickering will o'' wisps, strange phenomena, sea monsters, peculiar customs and superstitions, big cats, bewitching nymphets, the magical enchantment of conjurors and witches, uncanny events, death, destruction and the Devil himself, not to mention a horrific history few other counties can boast. The reader can''t help but be plunged into a sense of foreboding despair!